Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Graphical Dress ($128) is a little slice of heaven in dress form. I had a hard time deciding whether to try on the "red" (actually orange) or the blue version. Truth is I want them both! The colors are bold but since the dress is solid the strikingness is toned down.

I ended up trying on the orange which has a teal waistband. I grabbed my usual size 6 and it worked. This dress has a ton of things I love: great length; comfortable material; understated details like the pleated neckline; adjustable spaghetti straps...I could go on.

There is one knock though. In the back there is a tie sash right where the back of my bra normally sits. I guess Edme & Esyllte couldn't resist that one little detail but what a pain. It's not nearly as long as the product shot makes you think either. My bra strap was clearly visible. Sigh and grumble. Wishlisted.

I reviewed the navy blue version of the June, July, August Dress ($148) on Tuesday and here is its purple cousin. Luckily unlike the feather-adorned version this one didn't reek of dye. In-store I had no idea the two were even the same dress. This jersey frock feels light and easy and I love that it's Made in the USA.

In this version I tried the medium and like the previous version I would go down to a small to buy. I love the pattern of this dress but I am not impressed with how it sits above the waistline. Who wants a pattern trailing out diagonally? It makes your shoulders look broad. The dress also broadcasted my cleavage more than I'd like. A cami would be necessary if I were buying but I think I'm going to pass on this one. Lovely but not for me. Back to the rack.

Tabitha has a lock on dresses with a cargo-pocket bottom and hammered silk top. This latest incarnation is sleeveless unlike the Zoya Dress ($158, review here) or Night Blooming Dress. It's called the Doubly Dapper Dress ($148). I guess we can infer the sleeves cost $10 to set?

My issue with this one is the same as with the previous versions. The top seems cut for smaller chests and as a result this looks like some demented empire on me. I think it's more a result of the material mixes than anything. I tried sizing up to an 8 for these shots to see if it helped but alas it did not. Given the quality issues of the Night Blooming Dress (rips at the zipper, tops pulling away from skirts) I was apprehensive to begin with and the fit did nothing to assuage that. I adore the colors of this dress but I have to pass. Back to the rack.

I was intrigued by the asymmetry of Moulinette Soeurs' Know the Ropes Dress ($148). These days I'm rocking a size 8 in this brand so I grabbed one and headed downstairs to the fitting room.

I love that this dress (and many others this year) is knee-length. Yay! A nice contrast to mini, minier and uhh, does that even cover my tush skirts of 2010. Unfortunately the dress's distinctive feature is also it's downfall to me. I think if the diagonal swath of fabric was solid white or black it would look better. The plaid just looks like a manufacturing error to me and I know that's not the intent. I love the different straps and overall the fit is great on this dress. Just can't get past the incongruous part. Back to the rack.

Roxy, you look like a knockout in the Graphical dress! I agree with you about the sash-tie in the back, not a good place for it.

Regarding the June catalog preview email, I did not receive one about it! I've been on their email list for 4-5 years and there are still certain emails that I do not receive - weird. But, I know I'm not the only one!

I love the orange version on you for the graphical dress! I'm way too pale for it so I ended up ordering the blue, but I may exchange it because the one I received is stitched oddly at one part of the waistband. We're usually exactly the same when it comes to sizing but I had to size up to an 8 in the graphical dress, the band was so tight on my ribcage! Also- did you notice that there's now a green version of the Chantico tank? So pretty! I haven't seen it in my local store yet but I may have to put the free shipping to good use and order one.

Hi Roxy! I love the first dress on you. You have such a great figure! How about trying THIS dress from banana republic? haha.. weak joke... anyway, i have a question, did you find the tabitha dress a good length for work? I'm about your height and that dress looks so pretty... Thanks Roxy!

Love the Graphical Dress on you! I bought the orange, and agree w/you about the little back sash, but I'm determined to make it work. I wore it with a strapless bra, and had the boy tie it just so that it covers it up - it is possible, you just have to work with it!I think you should get it - it looks too good to pass up!

I love the Graphical Dress on you, you look great, with free shipping now I may give it a try. I feel the same way about the Hinterland dress, I love it but I'm hesitant to get it because I'm not sure where I would where it, I have plenty of pretty dresses in my closet unworn to choose from :(

Does everyone feel the graphical dress runs small in the ribcage?I was planning to place an order for the 8, really thought I should size it to a 6 (my normal size), but wanted to know what toxy and others thought re/ ribacage area and TTS? Thanks - Heidi -

The Graphical Dress looks great on you Roxy! I just want to introduce myself and say Hi to everyone, I have been visiting your blog for months but as of today am officially following your blog, it's so helpful for me to see anthro's clothing on real people and to read reviews, as there are no anthro stores in Hawaii!

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